Factitude

/ˈfæktɪtjuːd/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being a fact; the certainty or reality of something being true or real.

Etymology

From Latin 'factum' (a thing done, a fact) plus suffix '-tude' (state or quality). A relatively rare English word formed in the late 19th century following the pattern of words like 'magnitude' and 'gratitude'.

Kelly Says

While 'factuality' is the common choice, 'factitude' survives in specialized writing about philosophy and reality—it has a more formal, almost Latin dignity. It's the kind of word that makes philosophers sound especially thoughtful.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.